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News, Uncategorized

Alpha IVF Inks Underwriting Agreement With AmInvestment Bank For ACE Market IPO

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  KUALA LUMPUR: Fertility care specialist Alpha IVF Group Bhd recently signed an underwriting agreement with AmInvestment Bank Bhd (AmInvestment Bank) in conjunction with the upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia. Alpha IVF group managing director Datuk Dr Colin Lee Soon Soo said the signing of the underwriting agreement is a significant milestone in its quest to join the league on the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia. “As we embark on this IPO, we are eager to tap the opportunities that afford us in the capital market. “Part of the IPO proceeds will help us execute our growth strategy of strengthening our operations in Malaysia while also expanding our geographical reach to Indonesia, Cambodia or Laos, and China. “This will lay the foundation for us to become a leading assisted reproductive services (ARS) player in the region. “Against the backdrop of increasing infertility among young couples and delays in setting up families, we are encouraged that our expansion, both domestically and internationally, is ideally positioned to capitalise on these prospects,” he said in a statement. Alpha IVF IPO involves 1.45 billion ordinary shares, with 364.5 million new shares and 1.09 billion offer-for-sale shares. This constitutes about 30.0 per cent of the enlarged share capital. The IPO comprises an institutional offering of 1.23 billion shares, with 607.5 million allocated to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Of the total institutional offering, 145.8 million are new shares. The remaining 218.7 million new shares form the retail offering, which AmInvestment Bank will fully underwrite. Out of the total retail offering, 194.4 million shares will be made available to the Malaysian public via balloting, and 24.3 million shares to eligible directors, eligible employees, and eligible persons who have contributed to the success of Alpha IVF. AmInvestment Bank chief executive officer Tracy Chen Wee Keng said Alpha IVF has not only emerged as a renowned fertility centre in Malaysia and Singapore but has also taken a lead in shaping the ARS industry internationally. “Their commitment to excellence is well-reflected in their outstanding clinical pregnancy success rates and unwavering dedication to innovative research and development in IVF techniques, surpassing industry standards and setting new benchmarks for excellence. “We believe the company is poised to take advantage of its next stage of expansion as it extends its presence in the domestic and international ARS markets,” she said. Alpha IVF will be listed on the ACE market in the first quarter of 2024. AmInvestment Bank is the principal adviser, sponsor, lead book-runner, and sole underwriter for the company’s IPO exercise.

News, Property

Sunsuria Plans To Boost Ownership In Ongoing Bangsar Hill Park Development Project

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KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer Sunsuria Bhd recently acquired a 33.0 per cent equity interest in Bangsar Hill Park Development Sdn Bhd (BHPD) for RM71.4 million from Suez Capital Sdn Bhd (SCSB) and Dasar Temasek Sdn Bhd (DTSB). BHPD is an existing 51 per cent-owned subsidiary of Sunsuria and upon completion of the acquisition, the company’s shareholding in BHPD will increase from 51.0 per cent to 84.0 per cent. Commenting on the acquisition, Sunsuria’s group chief executive officer Tan Wee Bee said the acquisition augurs well for the company as it would allow it to further consolidate the financial performance of BHPD, ultimately recognising a higher contribution from BHPD to Sunsuria’s profit attributable to the shareholders (PATAMI). Image Source: Suezcap  “Additionally, this strategic initiative is set to strengthen Sunsuria’s presence in the highly sought-after Bangsar area, underscoring our steadfast commitment to expanding our footprint in key markets. “The scarcity of development land in Bangsar, coupled with the area’s high demand for properties, makes the project an attractive development overall. “Furthermore, the project is situated in a highly convenient location, accessible via major highways in the Klang Valley, and is within walking distance to the Bangsar light rail transit (LRT) station,” he said in a recent statement. BHPD is a property development company that owns and develops the Bangsar Hill Park development project. With a total gross development value (GDV) of approximately RM2.9 billion, the project comprises eight blocks of high-rise residential units strategically located along Lorong Maarof, Bangsar. Launched in August 2020, the entire project is scheduled for completion in May 2029. “The confidence is supported by the strong market response to the Project’s initial phases. “The first two high-rise residential blocks, Block D and Block E have demonstrated impressive take-up rates which propelled to the successful launch of Block C, Talisa, and its new show unit and property gallery in KL Gateway Mall recently,” Tan added. RHB Investment Bank Bhd has been appointed as principal adviser while Newfields Advisors Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the financial adviser. “During the financial year ending on September 30, 2023 (FY23), Sunsuria posted a positive financial performance, with notable contributions from BHPD. Recognising the promising potential of this project in its upcoming development phases, Sunsuria aims to enhance its involvement by increasing its stake. “Leveraging Sunsuria’s extensive property experience, we can contribute to this Project, always keeping the community at the forefront of everything we do,” Tan said. The acquisition is expected to be funded through internally generated funds and bank borrowings and is expected to be completed by the first half of 2024.

Investment & Market Trends, News, Uncategorized

Expansion In Broad Money Supply In October As Loan Growth Slows Down

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s broad money supply (M3) reached a seven-month high in October, growing at 3.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY), primarily driven by increased demand deposits (3.6 per cent) and foreign currency deposits (8.3 per cent). Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd in a report said however, the expansion was partially offset by persistent weaknesses in savings deposits (-3.9 per cent) and other deposits (-2.7 per cent). Month-on-month (MoM) growth was at 0.6 per cent, the highest since August 2022. The research firm noted that the M3 growth was propelled by an expansion in claims in the government sector, with net claims reaching an eight-month high at 12.3 per cent. Conversely, claims in the private sector moderated to a four-month low at 4.8 per cent, attributed to slower loans (4.4 per cent) and securities (7.4 per cent), the firm noted. The contribution of claims on the private sector to overall M3 growth decreased to 4.6 percentage points. Further, the investment bank noted that foreign assets grew at 0.7 per cent, sharply slowing to an eight-month low, mainly due to a more significant contraction in the banking system at 14.6 per cent. Kenanga also noted that loan growth reached a two-year low at 4.0 per cent YoY in October, supported by an expansion in residential property (7.4 per cent) and increased loans for transport vehicles (9.4 per cent). While these contributions expanded to 3.6 percentage points, the overall loan growth was weighed down by weaker growth in working capital (0.3 per cent) and a contraction in other purposes (-1.6 per cent). Credit card growth also slowed (12.1 per cent), reducing its contribution to 0.2 percentage points, the research firm noted. In terms of sectors, the household sector (5.8 per cent) continued to support overall loan growth, contributing 3.4 percentage points. Growth was further aided by expansion in education, health & others (8.2 per cent) and manufacturing (2.1 per cent) sectors, contributing a combined 0.3 percentage points. “However, ongoing weakness in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (-29.4 per cent) and a contraction in transport and storage (-6.4 per cent) partially capped the growth. “\Month-on-month, loan growth moderated to a three-month low at 0.3 per cent,” Kenanga said in the report. Deposit growth remained unchanged at 4.3 per cent YoY, with MoM growth expanding at a slower pace (0.4 per cent). The expansion in demand deposits (2.0 per cent) and foreign currency deposits (3.6 per cent) supported the overall growth, while fixed deposits expanded at a slower pace (6.1 per cent). However, Kenanga said a sustained fall in savings deposits (-3.9 per cent), other deposits accepted (-1.2 per cent), and a substantial contraction in negotiable instruments of deposits issued (-17.4 per cent) capped the growth upside. Kenanga said the 2023 loan growth forecast remains at 4.0 per cent to 4.5 per cent compared to 5.7 per cent in 2022, with an increasing likelihood of settling around the lower end of the target range. The firm said this aligns with the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 3.7 per cent compared to 3.3 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023 and the overall 2023 GDP forecast of 3.5 per cent to 4.0 per cent compared to 8.7 per cent in 2022. “The anticipated growth is supported by improvements in consumer and business confidence, steady labour market conditions, increased income levels, and a clear policy direction from the current government. “Additionally, it is believed that the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will maintain its overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3.00 per cent in 2024, considering a stable inflation outlook to support continued growth,” Kenanga said.

Investment & Market Trends, News

UOB Renews MoU with CCPIT To Boost Regional Trade Investment

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KUALA LUMPUR: UOB Group and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) recently signed an enhanced memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost foreign investment and trade between China and Southeast Asia. This remains CCPIT’s only collaboration with a bank in Southeast Asia. Through this collaboration with UOB, more than 350,000 Chinese companies that are members of CCOIC can access UOB’s comprehensive suite of local and cross-border solutions. The companies can also tap into an ecosystem of strategic partners across the bank’s Southeast Asian network, which includes Malaysia. Both parties will also facilitate UOB’s regional clients’ projects and businesses in China. UOB Group deputy chairman and chief executive officer Wee Ee Cheong said with global supply chains continuing to shift into Southeast Asia, the region remains a bright spot and continues to attract investment flows. “With our extensive regional footprint, strong sector solutions capabilities and regional payments, trade, and cash platforms, UOB is well positioned to support Chinese enterprises expanding into ASEAN. “This will promote the interconnection of local value chains, create more job opportunities and forge a brighter future for people and communities in this region,” he said in a statement. Established under China’s State Council in 1952, CCPIT plans and implements policies to promote trade and investment relations between China and foreign countries. CCPIT’s affiliated body, the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), was set up in 1988 to represent its members’ interests and support Chinese enterprises in overseas ventures. UOB and CCPIT will support enterprises in key industry sectors to build resilient supply chains, drive progress through innovation, and practise sustainable development. Tapping on UOB’s strength in the region, the two parties will jointly strengthen services and support for Chinese enterprises investing in the ASEAN region. UOB and CCPIT first signed an MoU in 2012 and first renewed it in 2014. Since then, the partnership has helped numerous Chinese companies explore business expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia. China’s foreign direct investments (FDI) into ASEAN increased 81 per cent from US$10.3 billion in 2016 to US$18.7 billion in 2022, reflecting ASEAN’s attractiveness to Chinese companies. Before visiting UOB in Singapore, the delegates also recently participated in the 16th Malaysia-China Business Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur supported by UOB Malaysia. UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei also met CCPIT chairman Ren Hongbin to discuss collaboration opportunities. “The enhanced collaboration between UOB and CCPIT is timely as Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2024. “China is one of Malaysia’s largest foreign investors and trading partners, and UOB Malaysia has been playing an active role in facilitating these investments and bilateral trade between the countries. “To date, the bank has supported more than 200 Chinese companies which have expanded into Malaysia. “With the renewed commitment between the two nations to drive investment and trade relations, UOB Malaysia looks forward to leveraging our financial expertise and supply chain solution, as well as strong local ecosystem network to attract more investments from China into Malaysia,” she said. Malaysia is the first country Ren visited in 2024.

News

Malaysia’s Manufacturing Activity Edged Up in November, But Weak Demand Persist, says Kenanga

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a slight improvement in November, inching up to 47.9 from October’s 46.8, signaling a softened slowdown. According to a report by Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd, the index has reached a seven-month high, despite remaining below the neutral threshold of 50.0,  suggesting a potential upturn in manufacturing activity on the horizon. “The ongoing slowdown is attributed to weak demand from both domestic and international markets,” the research firm said in a report. Further, Kenanga noted that amid subdued demand conditions, production moderated, and both new orders and exports continued to ease due to a persistently weak demand environment. Although the pace of slowdown has eased since August, backlogs of work have been decreasing, with a milder rate of depletion compared to October, the firm said. “Cost pressures persist, driven by currency weakness and rising raw material costs, resulting in a one-year high in input prices. “Consequently, businesses have increased their output charges for the fourth consecutive month, navigating challenges in the international market and a weaker currency,” Kenanga report said. The research firm noted that domestic manufacturers continue to express confidence in the outlook for production, with the latest increase in confidence indicating a demand revival that bolsters their optimism. Simultaneously, employment has stabilised, revealing the mildest decline in the past seven months, it said. Moving ahead, Kenanga said the slowdown in manufacturing activity appears to be reaching its bottom and is anticipated to gradually improve in the near term. The firm said the recent uptick in manufacturing PMI suggests a potential resurgence in the health of the sector as the year concludes, with positive momentum extending into 2024. “Factors contributing to this include an expected upswing in the technology sector and China’s gradual recovery, both set to enhance Malaysia’s export performance. “As a result, our forecast indicates that the gross domestic product (GDP) growth will continue to expand in the final quarter, reaching 3.7 per cent as compared to 3.3 per cent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023. “This expansion is primarily attributed to resilient domestic demand, boosted by year-end festive spending and increased tourist arrivals,” Kenanga said. Furthermore, the growth will be supported by heightened fiscal spending towards the year’s end, as is typical of government practices, the firm noted. “Overall, we maintain our GDP growth forecast for 2023 at 3.5 per cent to 4.0 per cent, with expectations leaning towards the upper end of the range. “Additionally, there’s a possibility of further expansion to 4.9 per cent in 2024,” Kenanga noted.

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